Actress and Producer Teresa Cheung

The Executive Producer’s Role

Chinese actress Teresa Cheung earned her bachelor’s degree in English literature and fine arts history from the University of Toronto. An experienced television personality — she appeared in her first commercial at the age of three — she was awarded honorary Toronto citizenship for her many contributions to the city’s Canadian-Chinese community while she was there. After earning a reputation as a writer and fashion commentator, Teresa Cheung became an actress with roles in Chinese films and then served as executive producer for Oliver Stone’s film “W.”

The executive producer of a film project generally works on behalf of the studio, distributor, or significant financers to see that the project is completed on time, within budget, and in accordance with the conditions set forth at the project’s beginning. A project may have several executive producers, with each being responsible to a different constituency and for a different aspect of the production. While executive producers generally don’t exercise any control over the technical aspects of a production, they must possess excellent business instincts and negotiating skills, as well as an insider’s knowledge of all elements of film production.